Trees in your yard can create an ambiance of luscious greenery and natural beauty. However, some trees may appear downright dilapidated just because they lack the care and maintenance they need. When trees become stunted, weak, or start to die, it can put you and your family at risk.
This is why tree maintenance throughout the year is essential to avoid accidents, whether it’s storm season or not. Depending on the extent of the damage, trees may either be trimmed or entirely removed. Tree professionals will often be needed to help you make the right decision.
Often, when faced with an ailing, lifeless, or dying tree, most owners think they can take care of it themselves. While most aspects of tree maintenance are something an average homeowner can do, more serious issues are better left to professionals.
A tree professional will diagnose the tree in its entirety. If a homeowner attempts to remedy a tree emergency in the process, they may get injured or damage properties.
Here are the signs that indicate it’s time to contact professionals to take care of your tree problems:
1. Trees That Touch The Power Lines
It’s a significant fire risk when stems, twigs, and foliage start to touch electricity lines, which can eventually lead to dangerous tangles. It’s a fire hazard and should be reported immediately.
Tree trimming near power lines, when done by untrained individuals, poses a high risk for fire and injury, or even death, which may affect not just the person who attempted it but also the people and properties around it. Although it may look simple, it’s recommended to call a professional tree removal company if a tree in your property’s vicinity touches a power line.
2. Dying Or Damaged Trees
Many wood-boring pests will turn a dying tree into their home, like termites and beetles that snack on wood. When this happens, the damaged tree will eventually fall may harm someone or damage something. To avoid such accidents, dying trees should be removed as earlier as possible.
However, even healthy trees may be vulnerable to damage. Although proper care may help them recover in most cases, those with irreversible damages are best removed completely. But more importantly, healthy trees that have been damaged won't easily recover without the help of a tree expert. If you feel unsure, it’s best that you get in touch with an arborist or tree expert to help you decide which course of action to take.
3. Trees With Unusual Insect Presence
Trees rely on insects for health and reproduction, but some insect species are harmful and may cause damaging diseases. For example, there are beetle species that dig tunnels through tree trunks to lay eggs. This doesn’t only disrupt the tree’s supply of nutrients but may also cause damage to its structural integrity.
If tree professionals are available in your region, they can provide you with more information and help you to identify potential issues with the tree in question.
4. Trees That Affect Your Home’s Exteriors
A tree's roots can grow through tough mud and stiff boulders, so they’re more resilient than you might think. But while it sounds impressive, it can be a cause of concern when they’re too close to your house or any other structure. However, it’s not a good idea to cover this dilemma by just placing soils over the exposed roots. Depending on its proximity to a structure, it may be better to remove them completely.
Trees that get closer to your house when branches grow horizontally may also be dangerous. One wind gust is all it takes to break tree branches and cause them to smash your windows. You may be tempted just to trim the branches yourself, but calling a professional is the smartest thing to do. More serious tree emergencies can also be caused by improper trimming, which may increase the risk of falling branches.
5. Splitting Branches
A weak branch may break, crack, split, or fall after a storm or during strong winds. Falling branches may seem like an easy problem to solve, but shouldn't underestimate the injuries and damages they can cause.
There are companies that offer emergency tree assistance, and they’re available to come to your door within minutes, especially when there’s a threatening storm. Never attempt to cut down a branch by yourself; it’s just too risky.
Furthermore, when a tree’s trunk starts to crack or split, it’s also better to have them removed. Trees that become too big for the area they’re in as they grow will also need removal.
6. Fungus Growth
If a tree's decaying roots are left alone, mushrooms and other microorganisms will begin to multiply. Because it’s the roots that hold the tree to the ground and maintain the tree’s nutrient supply, once they’re damaged, it won’t take long before the tree weakens. When you see what looks like the beginning of fungus growth, it’ll help remove them as early as possible before they damage the roots. The best time to check for this is a few days after a long period of rain when the roots become moist and more susceptible to fungal growth.
7. Exposed Root Systems
A tree that noticeably leans on one side may eventually uproot itself, especially when there are strong winds. If you notice a leaning tree with visible roots, call a professional immediately.
Trees that may fall are entirely the most dangerous. Compared to falling branches, falling trees will cause more severe injuries that may instantly kill its victim.
Conclusion
There are many things that can turn trees into a threat. If you live in an area with trees, especially big ones, it’s a good safety precaution to always check them for signs of accident risks, especially before and after a storm. Even if they’re not on your property, be the good Samaritan who will save lives at every chance possible. When trees are taken care of properly, they can be an asset to your property instead of being a safety threat. But to ensure that your trees are healthy and well-maintained, it's always recommended to consult a professional, especially when changes have to be made.
